Orifice introducer device

ABSTRACT

An orifice introducer device for introducing, e.g., a surgical device, into, e.g., an orifice of a body, includes a tubular member having a distal end and a proximal end. The distal end is adjustable between a first position for insertion into an orifice and a second position once inserted into the orifice. Alternatively, the orifice introducer device includes a distal portion having a proximal end configured to be detachably secured to the distal end of the tubular member. The distal portion is selectively detachable when the orifice introducer device is positioned in the orifice.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) of U.S.Provisional Patent Application No. 60/400,023, filed on Jul. 31, 2002,which is expressly incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an orifice introducer device, and moreparticularly, to an orifice introducer device for introducing, e.g., asurgical device, into an orifice of a body.

BACKGROUND

There are many surgical procedures that require a surgical instrument tobe introduced into an orifice of a body. One example of such is asurgical procedure to resect a cancerous or anomalous tissue from agastro-intestinal tract by the introduction, e.g., insertion, of acircular stapling instrument via a patient's oral or anal cavity.

One of the problems experienced during surgical procedures of this typeis that the orifice of the body may be damaged when the surgicalinstrument is being introduced, or has been introduced, into theorifice. This is particularly problematic when the orifice into whichthe surgical device is being introduced includes fragile tissue that iseasily damaged when contacted, e.g., the tissues of the oral cavity.Another problem experienced during surgical procedures of this type isthat the surgical instrument may be damaged when the surgical instrumentis being introduced, or has been introduced, into the orifice. It may beparticularly important to avoid damage to the surgical device, since apatient may also be harmed if the surgical device functions improperly.

While significant advances have been made in miniaturizing surgicalinstruments, there are still many surgical instruments that are almostas large as, the same size as, or larger than, the size of the orificeinto which the surgical instrument is required to be introduced. Sincethe likelihood of damaging either the orifice or the surgical device maybe increased as the size of the surgical device increases relative tothe size of the orifice into which the surgical instrument is requiredto be introduced, conventional surgical devices and procedures stillrisk damage to one or both of the surgical device and the orifice.

Thus, there is a need for a device that minimizes the likelihood ofdamage to one or both of a surgical device and an orifice when thesurgical device is introduced into the orifice.

SUMMARY

The present invention, according to various embodiments thereof, relatesto an orifice introducer device for introducing, e.g., a surgicaldevice, into, e.g., an orifice of a body. The orifice introducer deviceincludes a tubular member having a distal end and a proximal end. Thedistal end is adjustable between a first position for insertion into anorifice and a second position once inserted into the orifice.Alternatively, the orifice introducer device may include a distalportion having a proximal end configured to be detachably secured to thedistal end of the tubular member. The distal portion is selectivelydetachable when the orifice introducer device is positioned in theorifice.

In another example embodiment of the present invention, the introducerincludes a tubular sheath. The diameter of the proximal end of thesheath is larger than the diameter of the distal end of the sheath. Forexample, the sheath may have a generally conically-shaped or tapereddistal end. The diameter of the distal end may be expandable to allowpassage of a surgical instrument whose diameter is larger than thediameter of the distal end. The distal end may include, for example, aslit, seam or weakened area for allowing the diameter to expand.Alternatively or additionally, the distal end may be formed of astretchable material, such as an elastomeric material, which allows thediameter of the proximal end to expand.

In another example embodiment of the present invention, the introducerincludes a sheath and a distal cap-like portion (e.g., a nose cone). Thedistal cap-like portion may be removably mounted to the sheath. Thecap-like portion may be removed from the sheath and withdrawn orrecovered through the sheath.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A is a side view that illustrates an orifice introducer device ina closed position, according to one example embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 1B is a side view that illustrates, in an open position, theorifice introducer device illustrated in FIG. 1A;

FIG. 2A is a perspective view that illustrates an orifice introducerdevice according to another example embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2B is a partial perspective view that illustrates further detailsof a proximal end of the orifice introducer device illustrated in FIG.2A;

FIG. 2C is a partial side view that illustrates further details of adistal end of the orifice introducer device illustrated in FIG. 2A in aclosed position;

FIG. 2D is a side view that illustrates further details of the distalend of the orifice introducer device illustrated in FIG. 2A in an openposition;

FIG. 3A is a side view that illustrates an orifice introducer deviceaccording to another example embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3B is a partial, cross-sectional side view of the orificeintroducer device illustrated in FIG. 3A;

FIG. 3C is a partial, cross-sectional side view that illustrates furtherdetails of an attached distal portion of the orifice introducer deviceillustrated in FIG. 3A;

FIG. 3D is a partial, cross-sectional side view that illustrates furtherdetails of a detached distal portion of the orifice introducer deviceillustrated in FIG. 3A;

FIG. 3E is a partial, cross-sectional side view of the orificeintroducer device illustrated in FIG. 3A having a second tubular bodyinserted therein;

FIG. 3F is a partial, cross-sectional side view of the orificeintroducer device illustrated in FIG. 3A having the second tubular bodyfurther inserted therein;

FIG. 3G is a partial, cross-section side view of the orifice introducerdevice illustrated in FIG. 3A having distal portion partially withdrawntherethrough; and

FIG. 3H is a partial, cross-section side view of the orifice introducerdevice illustrated in FIG. 3A having distal portion partially withdrawnthrough the second tubular body.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention, according to various embodiments thereof, relatesto an orifice introducer device that may be used, for example, forintroducing or inserting, e.g., a surgical device, into an orifice,e.g., an oral cavity, of a body. For the purposes of example only, thepresent invention will be described hereinafter in connection with anorifice introducer device that is used for introducing or inserting asurgical device into an orifice of a body. However, it should berecognized that the present invention, in accordance with otherembodiments thereof, may also be used for introducing or insertinganything, e.g., a surgeon's hand, an implantable medical device, etc.,into an orifice of a body. Additionally or alternatively, it should berecognized that the present invention, in accordance with otherembodiments thereof, may also be used for widening or otherwise changingthe shape of an orifice of a body for purposes other than introducing orinserting something into the orifice of a body, e.g., for enabling asurgeon to view externally the interior of the orifice withoutintroducing or inserting anything therein. Still further, it should berecognized that the present invention, in accordance with otherembodiments thereof, may also be used for introducing or inserting anelement into any type of orifice, not merely an orifice of a body.

Advantageously, the orifice introducer device of the present inventionmay function to prevent damage to either the orifice of the body or tothe surgical instrument when the surgical instrument is being introducedor inserted, or has been introduced or inserted, into the orifice.Additionally or alternatively, the orifice introducer device mayfunction so that a surgical instrument having a relatively largediameter may pass through an orifice having a relatively smallerdiameter without damaging the orifice. Preferably, the orificeintroducer device has a first position or arrangement in which theorifice introducer device is configured to be easily inserted into anorifice. In addition, the orifice introducer device is adjustable to asecond position or arrangement in which the orifice introducer devicemay accommodate, e.g., a larger surgical instrument therethrough, by,for example, maintaining, stretching or otherwise changing the shape of,an orifice so that the larger surgical device may be inserted andpositioned therein. Preferably, the orifice introducer device isconfigured to be sterilizable, enabling it to be used more than once.

FIGS. 1A and 1B illustrate, in a first position and a second position,respectively, an orifice introducer device 100 suitable for introducinga surgical device into an orifice of a body, in accordance with anexample embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, theorifice introducer device 100 includes a generally tubular member 1. Thetubular member 1 has a proximal end 1 a and a distal end 1 b. A diameterof the distal end 1 b is, in the first position, smaller than thediameter of the proximal end 1 a. In this embodiment, the distal end 1 bis generally conical or tapered in the first position. In addition, thedistal end 1 b includes, in the embodiment shown, a longitudinal slit 2.

FIG. 1B illustrates the adjustability of the distal end 1 b. Morespecifically, FIG. 1B illustrates that, in the second position, thedistal end 1 b is adjusted such that an diameter of the distal end 1 bis increased, e.g., expanded, relative to the diameter of the distal end1 b in the first position. For instance, the inner diameter of thedistal end 1 b is expanded to allow a surgical device, for example asurgical device having a diameter that is larger than the diameter ofthe distal end 1 b in the first position, to pass therethrough. In thisembodiment, the distal end 1 b is adjustable by the opening of thelongitudinal slit 2.

In operation, the distal end 1 b of the tubular member 1 is introducedinto an orifice and is advanced in a distal direction until it achievesa desired position within the orifice. The relatively smaller diameterat the distal end 1 b permits the orifice introducer device 100 to bemore easily introduced and advanced into the orifice. Preferably, whenthe orifice introducer device 100 is positioned in the desired position,the proximal end 1 a of the tubular member 1 remains outside of theorifice. A surgical instrument, which may be sterilizable, may then beinserted into the tubular member 1 and may be advanced distallytherethrough. The surgical instrument may include, for example, asurgical instrument attached to a flexible shaft of an electromechanicaldriver, as described in, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,443,973, entitled“Electromechanical Driver Device For Use With Anastomosing, Stapling,and Resecting Instruments,” filed on Jun. 2, 1999, U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 09/510,927, entitled “An Electromechanical DriverAnd Remote Surgical Instruments Attachments Having Computer AssistedControl Capabilities, filed on Feb. 22, 2000, U.S. Pat. No. 6,517,565entitled “Carriage Assembly for Controlling a Steering Wire SteeringMechanism Within a Flexible Shaft”, filed on Feb. 22, 2000, U.S. Pat.No. 6,315,184, entitled “Stapling Device For Use With AnElectromechanical Driver Device For User With Anastomosing, Stapling,And Resecting Instruments,” U.S. Pat. No. 6,264,087, entitled “ParallelJaw Device For Use With An Electromechanical Driver Device,” U.S. Pat.No. 6,348,061, entitled “Vessel And Lumen Expander Attachment For UseWith An Electromechanical Driver Device,” U.S. Pat. No. 6,488,197,entitled “Fluid Delivery Device For Use With Anastomosing, Resecting andStapling Instruments, filed on Feb. 22, 2000, U.S. Pat. No. 6,491,201,entitled “A Fluid Delivery Mechanism For Use With Anastomosing,Resecting And Stapling Instruments, filed on Feb. 22, 2000, U.S. Pat.No. 6,533,157, entitled “A Tissue Stapling Attachment For Use With AnElectromechanical Driver Device, filed on Feb. 22, 2000, U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 09/887,789, entitled “Electro-Mechanical SurgicalDevice,” filed on Jun. 22, 2001, U.S. patent application Ser. No.10/098,217, entitled “Trocar Device,” filed on Mar. 14, 2002, U.S.patent application Ser. No. 10/128,768, entitled “Bipolar Or UltrasonicSurgical Device, filed on Apr. 22, 2002, U.S. patent application Ser.No. 10/127,310, entitled “Imaging Device,” filed on Apr. 22, 2002, U.S.Patent Application Ser. No. 60/352,726, entitled “Surgical ImagingDevice,” filed on Jan. 30, 2002, U.S. patent application Ser. No.09/999,546, entitled “Surgical Device,” filed on Nov. 30, 2001, U.S.patent application Ser. No. 10/094,051, entitled “A Surgical Device,”filed on Mar. 8, 2002, and U.S. Patent Application Ser. No. 60/388,644,entitled “Surgical Device,” filed on Jun. 14, 2002, each of which isexpressly incorporated by reference in its entirety.

When the surgical instrument reaches the distal end 1 b of the tubularmember 1, the diameter of the distal end 1 b may be adjusted, e.g.,expanded, so as to permit at least a portion of the surgical instrumentto enter, e.g., to extend through, the distal end 1 b. The expansion ofthe distal end 1 b may be caused by, for example, the force of thesurgical instrument pushing against the inner wall of the tubular member1. In the example shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, the distal end 1 b expandsvia the longitudinal slit 2, e.g., by the separation of the sides 2 aand 2 b of the slit 2, to allow the surgical instrument to passtherethrough.

While the embodiment of FIGS. 1A to 1B illustrates that the distal end 1b of the tubular member 1 may be adjustable, e.g., expandable,alternative arrangements are possible in which the entire tubular member1 is adjustable. Furthermore, while the embodiment of FIGS. 1A to 1Billustrates that the distal end 1 b of the tubular member 1 may beadjustable, e.g., expandable, via a slit 2, alternative arrangements forproviding adjustability to the distal end 1 b are also possible. Forexample, the distal end 1 b of the tubular member 1 may be formed of astretchable material, such as an elastomeric material, whereby the forceof the surgical instrument, e.g., a surgical instrument having adiameter that is larger than the diameter of the distal end 1 b in afirst position, against the inner wall of the tubular member 1 maystretch the material of the distal end 1 b to allow the diameter of thedistal end 1 b to increase and the surgical instrument to passtherethrough. Alternatively or additionally, the distal end 1 b of thetubular member 1 may include one or more seams, perforations, orweakened areas that tear, split or otherwise open or stretch to allowthe inner diameter of the distal end 1 b of the tubular member 1 toincrease.

FIGS. 2A to 2D illustrate an orifice introducer device 200 in accordancewith another example embodiment of the present invention. In thisembodiment, and as illustrated in FIG. 2A, the orifice introducer device200 includes a tubular member 21 having a proximal end 21 a and a distalend 21 b. The distal end 21 b of the tubular member 21 includes alongitudinally extending v-shaped opening or slit 21 e, with a distalend of the opening 21 e being wider in the open position than a proximalend of the opening 21 e. In this embodiment, each of the sides 21 c, 21d of the opening 21 e includes a number of holes 22 through which astring 22 a may be laced, threaded or corsetted. The proximal end 21 aof the tubular member 21 includes an actuation device 20. The actuationdevice 20 may include a ring 25 or the like for gripping the string 22a.

As shown in further detail in FIG. 2B, the ring 25 may include a hole 25a through which both ends of the string 22 a pass. Specifically, thefirst and second ends of the string 22 a are laced within the holes 22at the distal end 21 b of the orifice introducer device 100, extendthrough the interior of the tubular member 21 and emerge through holes23 and 27 a, respectively. The first and second ends of the string 22 aare secured to the ring 25 through the hole 25 a by a crimp 26. Asshown, the hole 27 a may include a grommet 27 to, for example, reducethe friction of the string 22 a against the sides of the hole 27 a.

Prior to insertion of the orifice introducer device 200 into an orifice,the ring 25 may be moved, e.g., pulled in a proximal direction, to drawthe sides 21 c and 21 d of the opening 21 e together and thereby reducethe diameter of the distal end 21 b of the tubular member 21 asillustrated in FIG. 2C. The reduced diameter of the distal end 21 b ofthe tubular member 21 permits easier insertion of the orifice introducerdevice 200 into an orifice. After the orifice introducer device 200 hasbeen inserted into an orifice and is in a desired position, the diameterof the distal end 21 b of the tubular member 21 may be increased asillustrated in FIG. 2D to allow a surgical instrument to be passedtherethrough. In order to increase the diameter of the distal end 21 bof the tubular member 21, the ring 25 may be moved in an oppositedirection, e.g., in a distal direction, thereby releasing the tension onstring 22 a.

It should be recognized that there are numerous different arrangementsthat may be employed for lacing the string 22 a through the holes 22 atthe distal end 21 b of the tubular member 21 and for securing the string22 a to an actuation device 20, such as the ring 25, at the proximal end21 a of the tubular member 21. For instance, in another exampleembodiment of the present invention, the crimp 26 may be secured to thetubular member 21 at a proximal side of the hole 27 a. The first andsecond ends of the string 22 a may extend through the hole 25 a of thering 25 to be connected to the crimp 26. The ring 25 may then be movedin one direction, e.g., distally, to decrease the diameter of the distalend 21 b of the tubular member 21 and in an opposite direction, e.g.,proximally, to increase the diameter of the distal end 21 b of thetubular member 21.

FIGS. 3A to 3G illustrate an orifice introducer device 400, and the usethereof, according to another example embodiment of the presentinvention. In this embodiment, a generally tubular member 300 isprovided with a distal portion 310, e.g., a nose cone, at a distal end315 thereof. The tubular member 300 may be formed from, for example, aTeflon material. The distal portion 310 is configured to be detachablymounted to the distal end 315 of the tubular member 300. The distalportion 310 may be generally conically shaped or tapered so that adistal end of distal portion 310 has a smaller diameter than a proximalend of the distal portion 310 and the tubular member 300. The distalportion 310 is generally sized and shaped to be inserted into anorifice. The distal portion 310 may have an open or closed distal end,and may be, for example, tapered, conical, frusto-conical, blunt, etc.,in shape. The proximal end 325 of the distal portion 310 may begenerally annularly shaped so as to be attachable to the distal end 315of the tubular member 300. In this embodiment, the distal portion 310may be at least partially formed from a flexible, e.g., elastomeric,material. The distal portion 310 may be, for example, stretched aroundthe distal end 315 of the tubular member 300. Additionally oralternatively, other methods and/or devices can be used to attach thedistal portion 310 to the distal end 315 of the tubular member 300,including by way of non-limiting example: an electrical connection, anadhesive, a tacky composition, a coupling member, a fastener, a materialwhich molecularly binds with the material of the tubular member, etc.

FIG. 3B is a partial cross-sectional view of the orifice introducerdevice 400 illustrated in FIG. 3A. As shown in FIG. 3B, the proximal end325 of the distal portion 310 includes an annular groove 320. Theannular groove 320 is configured to receive the distal end 315 of thetubular member 300. FIG. 3C shows further details of a portion of theannular groove 320. As shown in FIG. 3C, the annular groove 320 isconfigured to frictionally retain between opposing members 320 a and 320b the distal end 315 of the tubular member 300.

As noted above, in this embodiment, the distal portion 310 may be formedfrom a flexible, e.g., elastomeric, material. FIG. 3D illustrates theportion of the annular groove 320 shown in FIG. 3C, when the distal end315 of the tubular member 300 is not inserted therein. As shown in FIG.3D, the proximal end 325 of the distal portion 310 in which the annulargroove 320 is housed is biased so as to bend inwardly, e.g., to have areduced diameter, when the distal end 315 of the tubular member 300 isnot inserted in the annular groove 320. Preferably, the proximal end 325of the distal portion 310 is sufficiently biased such that, when thedistal end 315 of the tubular member 300 is not inserted in the annulargroove 320, the inwardly-bent proximal end 325 of the distal portion 310has an outer diameter that is less than an inner diameter of the tubularmember 300.

FIGS. 3E to 3G illustrate the use of the orifice introducer device 300shown in FIGS. 3A to 3D, according to one example embodiment of thepresent invention. In this embodiment, the orifice introducer device 400is used with a tubular insertion device 330. For instance, FIG. 3Eillustrates the orifice introducer device 400 having a tubular insertiondevice 330 inserted therethrough. In one embodiment, the tubularinsertion device 330 is formed from a Teflon material. The tubularinsertion device 330 is slidably receivable in the tubular member 300and is configured to contact an inner wall 311 of the distal portion310. Preferably, the tubular insertion device 330 has a sufficientlength such that, when fully inserted through the tubular member 300, aproximal end 330 a of the tubular insertion device 330 extends beyond aproximal end 300 a of the tubular member 300 permitting manipulation ofthe tubular insertion device 330 by a surgeon outside the orifice.

The orifice introducer device of FIG. 3E further includes a recoverydevice such as a string 340 securely attached to the inner wall 311 ofthe distal portion 310. Preferably, a proximal end 340 a of the string340 extends beyond the proximal end of the tubular member 300 so thatthe string 340 can be held and/or pulled by a surgeon in a proximaldirection while the tubular member 300 is left in position within theorifice.

In operation, the distal portion 310 is detachably mounted on thetubular member 300 via, e.g., the annular groove 320. The tubular member300, including the distal portion 310 is then introduced into theorifice. Once the tubular member 300 is properly position, the tubularinsertion device 330 is inserted into the tubular member 300.Alternatively, the tubular insertion device 330 may be inserted into thetubular member 300 prior to introduction and/or positioning of thetubular member 300 in the orifice. The tubular insertion device 330 isthen advanced within the tubular member 300 in a distal direction, untilthe distal end of the tubular insertion device 330 contacts the innerwall 311 of the distal portion 310. The tubular insertion device 330 isthen further distally advanced so as to cause the distal portion 310 tobe detached from the proximal end 300 a of the tubular member 300.Alternatively, the tubular member 300 may be pulled back proximally,while the tubular insertion device 330 is kept in place. FIG. 3F shows,for example, the distal portion 310 after it is detached from thetubular member 300.

Once the distal portion 310 is detached from the distal end 315 of thetubular member 300, the proximal end 310 a of the distal portion 310 maycontract. Advantageously, the proximal end 310 a of the distal portion310 contracts sufficiently such that the outer diameter of the distalportion 310 is smaller than the inside diameter of the tubular member300. The tubular insertion device 330 then may be removed from thetubular member 300 by moving it proximally relative to the tubularmember 300. Moreover, since upon contraction the outer diameter of thedistal portion 310 is smaller than the inside diameter of the tubularmember, the distal portion 310 may be withdrawn through the tubularmember 300 by pulling the string 340 proximally. Thereafter, the tubularmember 300 remains in position within the orifice, and a surgical devicemay be inserted into the proximal end of the tubular member 300 andadvanced distally therethrough.

As seen in FIGS. 3E-3G, in use, as discussed above, the distal portion310 is movable between a first expanded configuration when the distalportion 310 is attached to the distal end of the tubular member 300 anda second contracted configuration when the distal portion 310 isdetached from the distal end of the tubular member 300. As seen in FIG.3E, in the first expanded configuration the proximal end 310 a of thedistal portion 310 is oriented towards a proximal direction, and as seenin FIGS. 3F-3H, in the second contracted configuration the proximal end310 a of the distal portion 310 is oriented towards a distal direction.

Alternatively, as seen in FIG. 3H, in one example embodiment of thepresent invention, the proximal end 310 a of the distal portion 310contracts sufficiently such that the outer diameter of the distalportion 310 is smaller than the inside diameter of the tubular insertiondevice 330, such that the distal portion 310 may be proximally withdrawnthrough the tubular insertion device 330 while leaving the tubularinsertion device 330 in place within the tubular member 300. In thisembodiment, both the tubular member 300 and the tubular insertion device330 may remain in position within the orifice, and a surgical device maythereafter be inserted into the proximal end 330 a of the tubularinsertion device 330 and advanced distally therethrough.

Several embodiments of the present invention are specificallyillustrated and/or described herein. However, it will be appreciatedthat modifications and variations of the present invention are coveredby the above teachings without departing from the spirit and intendedscope of the present invention.

1. An orifice introducer device comprising: a tubular member having alumen and a distal end; a tubular insertion device positioned within thelumen of the tubular member; a distal portion having a proximal enddetachably connected to the tubular member, the proximal end having anannular groove that receives the distal end of the tubular member suchthat contact between the distal end of the tubular member and a side ofthe annular groove constrains the proximal end of the distal portionagainst radial contraction, the tubular insertion device configured todetach the distal portion from the tubular member, wherein, when thedistal portion is detached from the distal end of the tubular member,the proximal end of the distal portion contracts from a radially outwardposition to a radially inward position such that the proximal end of thedistal portion has an outer diameter smaller than an inside diameter ofthe tubular insertion device; wherein the smaller outer diameter of thedistal portion allows the distal portion to be proximally withdrawnthrough the tubular insertion device while leaving the tubular insertiondevice in place within the tubular member.
 2. The orifice introducerdevice of claim 1, wherein, when the distal portion is secured to thedistal end of the tubular member, a distal end of the distal portion hasa smaller diameter than the diameter of the tubular member.
 3. Theorifice introducer device of claim 1, further comprising a recoverydevice for withdrawing the distal portion through the lumen of thetubular member.
 4. The orifice introducer device of claim 3, wherein atleast a portion of the recovery device engages an inner portion of thedistal portion.
 5. The orifice introducer device of claim 1, wherein therecovery device is a string attached to the distal portion.
 6. Theorifice introducer device of claim 1, wherein, the proximal end of thedistal portion is made of an elastomeric material that radiallycontracts to allow the detached distal portion to be withdrawn throughthe lumen of the tubular insertion device.
 7. The orifice introducerdevice of claim 1, further comprising a surgical device within thelumen.
 8. The orifice introducer device of claim 1, wherein the distalportion is movable between a first expanded configuration when thedistal portion is attached to the distal end of the tubular member and asecond contracted configuration when the distal portion is detached fromthe distal end of the tubular member, wherein: in the first expandedconfiguration the proximal end of the distal portion is oriented towardsa proximal direction, and in the second contracted configuration theproximal end of the distal portion is oriented towards a distaldirection.
 9. A method for using an orifice introducer device comprisingthe steps of: providing a tubular member having a distal end; detachablysecuring a proximal end of a distal portion to the distal end of thetubular member by receiving the distal end of the tubular member in anannular groove at the proximal end of the distal portion such thatcontact between the distal end of the tubular member and a side of theannular groove constrains the proximal end of the distal portion againstradial contraction, a distal end of the distal portion having a smallerdiameter than the tubular member; inserting the distal end of the distalportion into an orifice; after inserting, distally advancing a tubularinsertion device through the tubular member from a first positionproximal of the distal member to a second position where a distal end ofthe tubular insertion device contacts the distal portion to distallymove the distal portion thereby selectively detaching the distal portionfrom the tubular member; upon selectively detaching the distal portionfrom the tubular member, the distal portion contracts so as to have aproximal end diameter smaller than a diameter of the tubular member; andwithdrawing the distal portion through the tubular member.
 10. Themethod of claim 9, further comprising the step of inserting an elementthrough the tubular member after withdrawing the distal portion.
 11. Themethod of claim 10, wherein the element is a surgical device.
 12. Adevice comprising: a tubular member having a distal end, the tubularmember having therein a surgical stapler apparatus; a second memberbeing arranged internally within the tubular member and being configuredto move longitudinally relative to the tubular member; and a distalportion having a proximal end mounted to the distal end of the tubularmember, the proximal end having an annular groove that receives thedistal end of the tubular member such that contact between the distalend of the tubular member and a side of the annular groove constrainsthe proximal end of the distal portion against radial contraction, thedistal portion being selectively detachable from the tubular member byengagement with the second member when the second member is moveddistally longitudinally, the proximal end of the distal portion beingconfigured to contract from a radially outward position to a radiallyinward position such that the proximal end of the distal portion has asmaller diameter than a diameter of the tubular member, wherein arecovery device is configured to withdraw the distal portion through thelumen of the tubular member after the second member has been withdrawnfrom the tubular member, wherein the distal portion is movable between afirst expanded configuration when the distal portion is attached to thedistal end of the tubular member and a second contracted configurationwhen the distal portion is detached from the distal end of the tubularmember, wherein: in the first expanded configuration the proximal end ofthe distal portion is oriented towards a proximal direction, and in thesecond contracted configuration the proximal end of the distal portionis oriented towards a distal direction.
 13. The device of claim 12,wherein at least a portion of the distal portion having a smallerdiameter than the tubular member.
 14. The device of claim 12, whereinthe distal portion is conical.
 15. The device of claim 12, wherein thedistal portion is tapered.
 16. An orifice introducer device comprising:a tubular member having a lumen and a distal end; a distal portionhaving a proximal end detachably connectable to the tubular member, theproximal end having an annular groove configured to receive the distalend of the tubular member such that contact between the distal end ofthe tubular member and a side of the annular groove constrains theproximal end of the distal portion against radial contraction, wherein,when the distal portion is detached from the distal end of the tubularmember, the proximal end of the distal portion contracts from a radiallyoutward position to a radially inward position such that the proximalend of the distal portion has a smaller diameter than a diameter of thetubular member, wherein the distal portion is movable between a firstexpanded configuration when the distal portion is attached to the distalend of the tubular member and a second contracted configuration when thedistal portion is detached from the distal end of the tubular member,wherein: in the first expanded configuration the proximal end of thedistal portion is oriented towards a proximal direction, and in thesecond contracted configuration the proximal end of the distal portionis oriented towards a distal direction.
 17. The orifice introducerdevice of claim 16, wherein the proximal end of the distal portioncontracts from the radially outward position to the radially inwardposition via flexure of the distal portion.
 18. The orifice introducerdevice of claim 16, wherein the proximal end is biased toward theradially inward position when the proximal end is in the radiallyoutward position.